Kim Leutwyler Zoe

Kim Leutwyler’s subject is Zoe Terakes, a transmasculine, non-binary actor. Terakes has appeared in numerous stage productions and on screen in television series such as Nine perfect strangers and Wentworth; they will also star in the upcoming Marvel series Ironheart.

‘I’ve had the great pleasure of painting many trans and gender-diverse friends over the years, but this painting of Zoe has unfolded differently,’ says Leutwyler, a seven-time Archibald finalist.

‘Halfway through creating this painting, Neo-Nazis and anti-trans protestors rallied together on the steps of the Victorian Parliament spouting rhetoric of hatred and bigotry. Shortly afterwards, a small group of peaceful queer activists was attacked by hundreds of men outside a Sydney church. Over the last 12 months, there has been a constant stream of new threats to trans rights and lives. It’s imperative that we stand up for – and with – our trans and gender-diverse community. This portrait is a love letter to trans beauty and joy.’